Cool change overnight – had to close the windows about 3:30am and put another sheet on Abi. Beautiful clear day – decide to head to the Peak. Bus 23 takes forever to arrive, then to get to Peak Tram Station. Luckily we made it there by 9:10 am – a crowd quickly builds up behind us as we wait on the tram platform. The new tram cars are lovely with clear section of roof for better appreciation of the scenery. Group of German tourists floods the 2 car tram. Abi is tense going up the incline. Shiny new Peak building with annoying touts from souvenir shops lining the 5 levels of escalators leading to the observation deck. Windy and very glary. Abi loves the freedom, walks and goes up/down steps with mum in tow. Tries to duck under the barriers blocking the unfinished areas. Nice glass balustrades mean that she can enjoy the scenic view to HK but wonder if she took it in.
Taxi back to the flat, quick morning tea then Uncle Kwong, Auntie Cecilia, Mr Yip and Driver Mr Au waiting for us on the parking podium. Abi sits on booster seat from North Point to Mei Foo where Kyson swaps this for a proper baby car seat like in Australia. She was asleep protested a bit then once Chris picked her up she resumed sleeping on his shoulder.
Drive to Sheung Shui via tunnels and highways lined with Country Parks and hills. Very scenic. Stop over at Fanling to see the wishing trees – what a letdown. Boards sorted by astrological sign replace the traditional way wishes were left at the trees – by tying them to 2 oranges and throwing them into the branches. Large tree was nearly killed by the extra weight and locals surprisingly stopped this practice while their golden goose could be rehabilitated. Pretty humid now unlike the morning coolness. Glad to get back into the air conditioned van where Abi just woke up.
At last we are at Sheung Shui – now the driver has to follow Auntie Cecilia’s instructions (!) to reach the Jockey Club – he just seems to miss the signs each time that they appear and has to brake and reverse. The grounds are near a golf club, quite elegant and nicely maintained vegetation around the driveway. We know we’re in the right place when we reach the car park filled with luxury cars.
Abi is woken in the middle of her sleep cycle to enter the clubhouse. She is well behaved and cries only a little bit. Fascinated by the surroundings – and more people to charm. Strange how in a lovely arcadian setting Uncle Kwong and Auntie Cecilia chose to have a table in the back of the restaurant the furthest away from the windows. Banquet seats with some chairs and Abi’s upholstered high chair. She is amused by the surroundings and explores prior to our meal. Too much choice on the a la carte menu (no buffet for lunch). Decide on a set menu 3 courses for $HK175 (single main of US steak / Aussie wagyu $148)
Return via the scenic route, via Sai Kung resort town, scenery on the trip quite nice as we pass Tolo harbour and the nature reserve. We walk to the end of the pier to admire the islands and watch the fishermen prepare their fish. On the trip back pass the HK university of science and technology (Priscilla’s dad worked there when it was the HK Institute of science and technology - she remembers some of the buildings). We end up going back via the “Western harbour crossing” so we can truly say that we have been in all the cross harbour tunnels now!!!
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